posted on May 29, 2023
With epic waterfalls, unforgettable views, and flourishing forestry, the Waterfall Way Scenic Drive is an iconic New South Wales adventure at the top of many bucket lists.
Make the most of your drive through the wondrous waterfall route by planning ahead and mapping out your itinerary. Discover everything you need to know about the Waterfall Way Scenic Drive, from the top sights to see to where you can spend a night.
If you’re looking to experience this drive at your own pace, explore a range of unique rides you can’t find anywhere else on Turo. Your local host can even arrange delivery of your wheels to a location that’s handy for you across NSW.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- An overview of the Waterfall Way Scenic Drive
- National parks you’ll pass along the Waterfall Way Scenic Drive
- Waterfall Way rivers, waterfalls and sights to see
- Camping sites along your journey
- The best way to explore the Waterfall Way Scenic Drive
The Waterfall Way Drive: An overview
Waterfall Way Drive is a scenic route that takes you from Coffs Harbour all the way to Armidale. This is a one-of-a-kind drive featuring lush rainforests, stunning river valleys, and, as the name also suggests, magnificent waterfalls.
Where is the Waterfall Way Scenic Drive?
The Waterfall Way Scenic Drive is in the Northern Tablelands region in New South Wales, Australia.
Waterfall Way distance
The Waterfall Way is a total of 185km long, taking you from the East Coast through to inland NSW. If you’re starting your journey from Sydney, the start of the Waterfall Way Drive is six hours from the Sydney CBD.
Waterfall Way drive time (and suggested time)
The drive time along the Waterfall Way scenic route can take between two and a half hours to a couple of days, depending on how many stops you want to make.
Passing through several national parks, we recommend visiting at least a couple of walking tracks and waterfalls over a full day to make the most of your road trip.
To turn your drive into an outdoor adventure, why not add on a tent to your booking and stay overnight at one of the many campgrounds located along the route?
Waterfall Way accessibility
Waterfall Way has numerous stops with accessible toilets, carparks, walks and lookouts, including Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, Point Lookout, Ebor Falls, and Wollomombi Gorge and Falls picnic area.
More generally, some national parks along the way have walking tracks and lookouts that are wheelchair accessible. It’s best to check directly with the national park on their accessibility facilities before visiting, especially if you plan to tackle any walking tracks.
Waterfall way driving difficulty
The Waterfall Way route is generally safe, although road conditions may change depending on the weather. The route is constantly monitored for road defects and dangerous portions of the road are fenced off.
Some sections of the route (such as the ascent from Thora to Dorrigo) include narrow, windy roads. Make sure to reduce speed, build in plenty of breaks and take advantage of rest stops along your journey.
Expert tips and things to consider
Before embarking on your road trip along Waterfall Way Drive, here are a few things to consider:
- What to bring: Make sure to stock up on water and food, especially if you’re planning on having a picnic or hosting a barbecue at one of the national parks along the way.
- Mobile reception: Depending on your network service, you may not have mobile reception during some rural portions of the drive. A printed map is always handy in case of emergencies.
- Vehicle to travel in: Looking to tackle this scenic drive in a commanding SUV or sleek EV? On Turo, you can easily book the perfect ride for a few days or even longer to tackle this route in comfort and style.
Is the Waterfall Way open?
While Waterfall Way was closed in 2022 after a massive landslip, the route is now open and welcoming locals and travellers alike.
Waterfall Way Scenic Drive map
You can plan your Waterfall Way Scenic Drive by using the interactive map on the National Parks government website, packed with all the best sights to see, places to stay, and where to park.
National Parks along the Waterfall Way
There are five national parks dotted along the Waterfall Way Drive. Ready to discover some of the best NSW national parks? Make a pit stop at these must-see locations.
Dorrigo National Park
- Camping options: This is a day-use-only park, meaning there are no on-site camping options.
- Recommended time spent: Day trip.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair access is available.
- Parking: Canopy Cafe, Never Never picnic area, Skywalk lookout
Only an hour’s drive from Coffs Harbour, Dorrigo National Park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, and is one of the most diverse rainforests in the world (truly a must visit). From Aboriginal heritage and rock art to dramatic waterfalls and native wildlife, Dorrigo National Park has it all.
There are many things to see and do at Dorrigo National Park, including the Crystal Shower Falls walk, the elevated Rainforest Skywalk, and Dorrigo Rainforest Centre. You may also want to check out the park’s scenic walking tracks, such as the Satinbird Stroll, Lyrebird Link and Red Cedar Falls track.
Tip from the author: The Never Never Picnic Area is another must-visit at Dorrigo National Park. It’s the perfect hidden place for a fun barbecue or private birdwatching session with your family.
Guy Fawkes River National Park
- Camping options: Visit the Chaelundi campground, a quiet and remote campsite offering unpowered sites for tents and camper tailers.
- Recommended time spent: 1-2 days
- Accessibility: Contact the National Park directly for info on wheelchair accessibility
- Parking: Ebor Falls
Also known as a wilderness paradise, Guy Fawkes River National Park is a popular destination for bird watching and bush walking, with fantastic uninterrupted views of wilderness. Not only does it feature spectacular waterfall views and scenic lookouts at Ebor Falls, but the national park is also an incredible biodiversity hot-spot, with over 1,000 different plant species to discover.
Guy Fawkes River National Park is also home to over 20 endangered animal species, including the spotted-tail quoll and black cockatoos. The park’s unique geology means you can take your time exploring walking tracks and enjoying spectacular natural landscapes along the Escarpment walk, Misty Creek lookout or Chaelundi Falls lookout.
Oxley Wild Rivers National Park
- Camping options: Halls Peak campground, Riverside campground and Youdales Hut Campground (make sure to purchase a vehicle permit ahead of time online).
- Recommended time spent: 1-2 days
- Accessibility: Accessible by car, contact the National Park directly for info on wheelchair accessibility
- Parking: Apsley Falls campground, Apsley Falls picnic area, Blue Hole picnic area, Dangars Falls picnic area, Dangars Gorge campground
Oxley Wild Rivers National Park is another World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest known for its magnificent waterfalls, steep gorges, and horse-riding tracks. In addition to walking around in nature, you can also enjoy the picturesque rural setting by hopping on a horse or bike.
There’s much to explore and experience in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, including the Green Gully track, Tia Falls walk, and Dangars Falls walking track. If you’re looking for jaw-dropping scenery, be sure to visit Budds Mare lookout as well.
New England National Park
- Camping options: powered and un-powered camping grounds nearby
- Recommended time spent: 1-3 days (with adventurous multi-day hiking trails on offer).
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly
- Parking: Banksia Point, Berarngutta Picnic Area, Point Lookout, Thungutti campground
Boasting magnificent lookout views, remote walking tracks, and ancient landscapes, New England National Park sits up to 1,563m above sea level, making it a superb habitat for unique native wildlife such as gliders, wallabies, and possums. Stroll along the park’s hundreds of walking tracks and have a go at spotting Australia’s favourite marsupials for yourself!
Point Lookout is a must-see destination at New England National Park, located at the very top of the Great Escarpment. Its beautiful views are unparalleled, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Keep in mind that Point Lookout Road is a graded gravel road with unsealed sections. Not only is it steep and narrow, but this area can only be accessed in a 4WD vehicle in wet weather.
Cathedral Rock National Park
- Camping options: Head to Barokee campground or Native Dog campground for secluded spots to pitch a tent or park your camper trailer.
- Recommended time spent: 1-2 days
- Accessibility: Contact the National Park directly for info on wheelchair accessibility
- Parking: Barokee campground, Native Dog campground
Cathedral Rock National Park is accessible via Armidale or Dorrigo and is a fantastic national park if you’re looking for scenic yet testing walking tracks. On the way, you may encounter a diverse range of native flora and fauna, including flax lilies and brush tailed phascogales.
Tip from the author: For challenging hikes, check out the Granite Tors walking track and Cathedral Rock track. The Cathedral Rock track will take you through 270 million years old rock formations that the Cathedral Rock National Park is famous for. The basalt capping at the top of Round Mountain is a sight to behold.
River valleys, waterfalls and views along the Waterfall Way Scenic Drive
As you make your way through the Waterfall Way Scenic Drive and regional national parks, you’ll come across some of the most impressive waterfalls in the country (if not the world!). Spend a couple of hours admiring these natural wonders and enjoy the surroundings of the Australian bush.
Wollomombi Falls (Wollomombi Gorge and Falls picnic area)
- Waterfall height: 220m
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible
- Parking: Wollomombi Gorge and Falls Picnic area
- Highlights: One of the highest falls in Australia
- Recommended time spent: ½ day
Wollomombi Falls has one of the state’s highest drops and is overall the second-highest waterfall in Australia. Located in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, it’s 38km east of Armidale and is the most impressive after heavy rain. You can access the waterfall via the main lookout, the Wollomombi walking track, and the Chandler View Circuit walking track.
Point lookout
- Height: 1,560m
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible
- Parking: Enter through Point Lookout Road
- Highlights: Spectacular mountainous views and wheelchair-accessible walking track
- Recommended time spent: ½ day
Over 1,500m above sea level, Point Lookout is best visited on a clear day, where you’ll be able to see all of New England National Park in its glory. The spectacular views across the rainforest below at Point Lookout are like no other, and you can enjoy the gentle winds at the top of the Great Escapement.
While at Point Lookout, check out the wheelchair-accessible Point Lookout walking track, Weeping Rock walking track, and Tea Tree Falls walking track.
Ebor Falls (Guy Fawkes River)
- Waterfall height: 1,290m
- Accessibility: Soak in the sweeping views with three cliff-top platforms offering wheelchair access.
- Parking: Car park available
- Highlights: Spectacular combination of waterfalls and native bush flora
- Recommended time spent: 1 day
Less than 1km down the main street of Dorrigo, an hour’s drive from Armidale and only a 30-minute drive from Cathedral Rock National Park, Ebor Falls offers stunning waterfalls, scenic views, and a quiet picnic area. It’s got three lookout platforms with 100m falls featuring two drops, creating a beautiful collage of crystal-clear freshwater, mountainous greenery and colourful orchids.
Best of all, you’ll find a handy car park connecting to the picnic area with a walking track back into Ebor village, too.
Crystal Shower Falls
- Waterfall height: 30m
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible
- Parking: Parking is available at Dorrigo National Park
- Highlights: A unique walk track taking you behind the waterfall to an incredible swim spot.
- Recommended time spent: ½ day
If you want to explore Dorrigo National Park near Coffs’ Harbour, head to Wonga Walk to visit Crystal Shower Falls and bask in its untamed magnificence. Part of the Wonga walk circuit, Crystal Shower Falls is just a few minutes walk from Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, with the waterfall appearing around 4km into your journey. During your trip, spend a couple of hours admiring the waterfall and spotting its animal inhabitants.
Tristania Falls
- Waterfall height: 20m
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible
- Parking: Available at the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre in the Dorrigo National Park
- Highlights: A picturesque waterfall flowing all year around and accessible via the Wonga Walk circuit.
- Recommended time spent: ½ day
Tristania Falls is 2.9km into the Wonga Walk circuit in Dorrigo National Park and is guaranteed to be one of the most enchanting waterfalls you’ll ever encounter. Neighbouring Crystal Shower Falls, Tristania Falls is a sloped waterfall featuring a rush of fresh water cascading off a basalt cliff. The waterfall is quick and easy to reach, taking only a couple of hours while on the Wonga walking track.
Newell Falls and Sherrard Falls (Bellinger River)
- Waterfall height: 30m
- Accessibility: N/A
- Parking: There’s no official car park available.
- Highlights: Beautiful waterfalls alongside the roads on Dorrigo Mountain.
- Recommended time spent: ¼ day
Both of these splendid waterfalls reside in Dorrigo National Park and can be admired from the roadside on your way to other waterfalls in the park.
Tip from the author: Although comparably small, these two waterfalls are still impressive natural wonders, streaming alongside the curvy roads of Dorrigo Mountain, with Newell Falls even twisting underneath the road.
Metz Gorge (Metz Lookout)
- Height: 980m
- Accessibility: N/A
- Parking: N/A
- Highlights: Massive gorge surrounding the remnants of an abandoned gold mine.
- Recommended time spent: ¼ day
Found in the New England High Country, the Metz Gorge is an outcrop of slaty sandstone protecting the remnants of the 1887 Bakers Creek gold mine, smelter chimney, and tramway. An unforgettable view contrasting flourishing mountainous landscapes with an abandoned mine, Metz Gorge is a beautiful site to visit along your Waterfall Way Scenic Drive.
Towns and villages to explore along the Waterfall Way
Discover the must-see towns and villages to explore while on the Waterfall Way Scenic Drive.
Ebor
Ebor is a small rural village on the Northern Tablelands in New South Wales, midway between Armidale and the Coffs Coast. Surrounded by picturesque waterfalls and quaint picnic areas, Ebor is the perfect place to escape city life and explore the great outdoors.
Dorrigo
Another small town along the Waterfall Way, Dorrigo is the gateway to Dorrigo National Park and is the perfect pit stop to explore before heading into the national park. Enter the town via ancient rainforests and learn about the small town’s beautiful cultural heritage.
Bellingen
Located between Sydney and Coffs Harbour, Bellingen is situated on the Bellingen River and is famous for its abundant natural resources, including fine cedar and rosewood. This beautiful village is also home to a unique heritage-listed site – the Hammond and Wheatley Commercial Emporium along with the old butter factory and area of historic buildings on Hyde Street.
Waterfall Way Camping
You can’t claim you’ve conquered the great outdoors without going on a camping trip. Luckily, you can incorporate camping into your Waterfall Way Scenic Drive on one of the many camping grounds along the way. A few popular options to consider include:
- The private campground at Dangar Falls is complete with a lodge (perfect for groups of up to 13) along with ample caravan and camping areas. It’s even dog-friendly and fitted out with a shower and toilets.
- Bellingen Showground is a rustic campground priced at just $25 per night (bookings are essential).
- Dorrigo Mountain holiday park is perfect for those looking for self-contained cabins, shaded camping sites and amenities blocks with showers and a coin-operated laundry.
Free camping along the Waterfall Way, NSW
Some free camping ground options along the Waterfall Way include:
- NPWS campgrounds
- Wollomombi Falls
- Oxley Wild Rivers National Park
- Ebor Camp
Explore the Waterfall Way with the perfect car
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Lucinda Starr
Lucinda is a Sydney-based content specialist and avid road tripper. Having travelled across Asia, North America and the South Pacific, she's experienced everything from glamping in a Yurt in -30 degrees in The Yukon, snorkelling in the open seas of Vanuatu and hiking the rocky alps of Kamikochi in Japan. She's currently planning her next overseas adventure, a toss-up between a classic #EuroSummer or a multi-day trek through Nepal.
